EMERGENCIES

Iraq Refugee Crisis

3.3 million

forced to flee

The conflict has threatened millions of lives. More than 370,000 people have been forced to take refuge in neighboring countries.

700,000 in

informal settlements

More than 700,000 displaced in Iraq are living in informal settlements. These individuals require additional aid to survive the winter.

25% of the

population

An estimated 11 million Iraqis, or approximately 25% of the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Background

The ongoing conflict in Iraq has resulted in more than 3.3 million people fleeing for their lives – creating a call for even more emergency resources in the area. An estimated 11 million Iraqis are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.

More than 1.8 million Iraqis have been forced from their homes but remain inside of the country. 360,000 are refugees in other countries. There are also 280,000 refugees in Iraq from neighboring countries — the vast majority escaping violence and persecution in Syria.

Voices of the Crisis

VIDEO

Angelina Jolie visits families returning to Mosul (1:57)

How to Help

Despite significant security risks and challenges accessing people in need, UNHCR is working around the clock to assist Iraqis who have fled Mosul and to provide them with lifesaving aid.

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Displaced Iraqi men, women and children arrive at Debaga camp after fleeing the violence in Mosul.

Due to overcrowding in camps and temporary settlements, more than 700,000 displaced in Iraq are living in informal settlements.
1.5 million displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees have moved into the Kurdistan region of Iraq where 25 percent of the population is displaced.
In 2018, there were 256,725 pending asylum-seekers from Iraq.
In February of 2019, eight camps were closed which resulted in secondary displacement and premature returns.

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